Multi-layered body, in particular a multi-layered film and method for increasing the forgery protection of a multi-layered body

ABSTRACT

Described is a laminate body, in particular a laminate foil, comprising a laser-sensitive layer and an identification element, for example a diffraction and/or hologram structure, a reflection layer, a printed image or the like, which is provided in a second layer and/or in the laser-sensitive layer, wherein the laser-sensitive layer has a marking produced by laser action, which is positioned in accurate register relationship relative to the identification element In addition the subject of the invention is a method of enhancing the forgery-proof nature of such a laminate body in which the laminate body is irradiated by means of a laser so that produced in the laser-sensitive layer is a laser-induced marking positioned in accurate register relationship with the position of the identification element.

[0001] The invention concerns a laminate body, in particular a laminatefoil having the features of the classifying portion of claim 1 and amethod of increasing the forgery-proof nature of a laminate body havingthe feature of the classifying portion of claim 22.

[0002] DE 37 38 330 A1 discloses a laser marking method for use inrelation to surfaces with a pigment coating, wherein pigments of thepigment coating change their internal molecular structure and producedifferent colours, at different temperatures. The specific surfacetemperatures are produced locally with the laser radiation effect,thereby producing coloured laser markings.

[0003] DE 44 10 431 A1 describes a method with which person-related dataare applied by laser marking to an identity card, wherein the identitycard has a copying-protection element applied by a transfer method. Inthe laser marking procedure an identification in the form of a series ofdigits is applied, by a part of the series of digits being applied inthe copying-protection element and a further part of the series ofdigits being applied in an adjoining region of the identity card. Thelaser marking effect is implemented by way of local demetallisation inthe metal layer of the copying-protection element or by blackening ofthe treated region of the identity card.

[0004] EP 0 219 011 B1 describes a special method of laser marking ofidentity cards. That method provides that black markings are produced bymeans of the laser in different transparent layers of the card. In thatway parallax images are produced in the mutually co-operatingtransparent layers.

[0005] GB 2 240 948 A also describes laser marking of identity cards.Here laser marking is produced by the removal of different colouredlayers. The laser marking which is produced by that procedure appears inthe form of a coloured marking.

[0006] DE 41 31 964 A1 describes laser marking of a laminate foil with ametal layer and a hologram structure. The marking operation is effectedby region-wise blackening and removal of layers.

[0007] EP 0 420 261 A2 discloses various measures for increasing theforgery-proof nature for systems with hot stamping foils with a hologramstructure. Described therein inter alia is that laser-induced markingsare produced by laser treatment in the hologram structure or in otherlacquer layers of the foil. Another method of individualising foils witha hologram structure, which can be applied additionally oralternatively, is described, providing for the use of an individualisingembossing stamp which imparts an individualised external contour to thehologram structure. A disadvantage with the described individualisationmethods is that it is not readily possible to detect whether thesituation involves a forgery, on the basis of the foil applied to thesubstrate, without referring to a comparative pattern.

[0008] The production of multi-colour markings in coatings is known fromWO 96/35585 and WO 94/12352, while the production of single-colourmarkings is known from EP 0 327 508, EP 0 190 997 and DE 37 38 330. Thefollowing applies in that respect:

[0009] WO 96/35585 discloses various configurations of plastic bodies,more specifically solid bodies or coatings, which each contain a mixtureof various pigments. In the various embodiments set forth by way ofexample the pigment mixture is composed of three pigment components,more specifically a yellow pigment, a magenta pigment and a cyanpigment. Colour marking is effected on the plastic body by lasertreatment. The colour marking occurs due to bleaching of the pigments bymeans of the laser treatment. The laser conditions are respectivelyadjusted specifically with a variation in the wavelength in order toobtain given colours. The respective specific wavelength used ispreviously ascertained by light absorption measurements in regard to thepigments, more specifically in each case the absorption wavelength atthe absorption maximum of the pigment is ascertained. Each case involvesusing pigments which have only one single absorption maximum. That isintended to guarantee that, in the laser treatment, the result obtainedis a colour which corresponds to the colour of the laser light and theduration of the laser treatment and the intensity of the laser light foreach colour can be of the same value. In the described embodiment with apigment mixture comprising yellow pigment, magenta pigment and cyanpigment, violet laser light at a wavelength of 430 nm, blue laser lightat a wavelength of 470 nm, yellow laser light at a wavelength of 575 nmand laser light, referred to as orange, at a wavelength of 650 nm, areused for the laser treatment. That is intended to produce differentcolour markings on the plastic body by means of the laser treatment byvirtue of suitable adjustment of the laser wavelength, with the laserconditions being otherwise the same. The colours are produced by complexmixing of the pigments which at the same time are bleached at therespective laser wavelength. A method of producing as far as possibleall colours with a limited number of pigments is not specified.

[0010] It is also known from WO 94/12352 to produce bright colourmarkings on a plastic body which contains a pigment mixture and whichcan be in the form of a solid body or a coating, by laser treatmentusing different wavelengths. The coloration effect is implemented by thepigments changing their colour due to colour transposition in the lasertreatment. The laser conditions are randomly selected in each case. Amethod of deliberately and specifically producing any colours is notspecified. In addition the number of colours produced in that way isgreatly limited.

[0011] EP 0 327 508 discloses a method in which a laser-sensitivedyestuff A and a laser-insensitive dyestuff B are contained in twoseparate mutually superposed lasers or in a common layer and arebleached by laser treatment of the dyestuff A while thelaser-insensitive dyestuff B is not bleached or is only slightlybleached. The laser treatment results in the production of a colourmarking, but only a single-colour marking, that is to say at a maximum atwo-colour image. The method does not provide for any variation in thelaser conditions to produce different colours.

[0012] EP 0 190 997 B1 discloses a method in which a plastic plate or aplastic layer in the form of a coating on a metal plate portion containsan additive which can be coloured under the effect of laser treatment,more specifically by colour transposition from one colour into anotheror by conversion into black. Colour markings involving different coloursare not possible in that case.

[0013] EP 0 416 664 B1 discloses producing black markings by lasermarkings in plastic bodies or foil layers. The markings are produced bylaser-governed blackening of the laser-sensitive component molybdenumsulphite contained in the plastic material.

[0014] It is known from DE 195 22 397 A1 to produce light marking orlabelling by laser treatment of plastic layers containing pigments. Thatis effected by laser bleaching of the pigments involved.

[0015] EP 0 537 668 and DE 81 30 861 U1 disclose region-wise removal oflayers in the layer structure of transfer foils by laser treatment inorder in that way to produce markings.

[0016] In addition it is known for example from EP 0 741 370 B1, DE 4333 546 A1 or U.S. Pat. No. 4,911,302 to produce markings bylaser-induced melting of the material, by virtue of laser treatment oflaminate bodies, in order then to transfer those markings while still inthe molten condition on to another body.

[0017] The object of the invention is to increase the forgery-proofnature of a laminate body, for example a data carrier, such as anidentity card or the like.

[0018] The invention attains that object by a laminate body as set forthin claim 1 and a method of increasing the forgery-proof nature of alaminate body as set forth in claim 22.

[0019] The laminate body can be a laminate foil, for example a transferfoil, for instance a hot stamping foil or a laminating foil, but also acoated body, preferably a foil-coated plastic body. In this case thesurface of the substrate can represent a layer. By virtue of the factthat the marking produced with the laser irradiation effect in thelaser-sensitive layer, being the so-called laser-induced marking, ispositioned in accurate register relationship, that is to say inaccurately fitting relationship and/or accurately associatedrelationship, relative to the identification element which is alreadypresent in the layer structure prior to the laser treatment and whichfor example can be in the form of a diffraction and/or hologramstructure, optionally with a motion effect, or which can be in the formof a printed image or in the form of a reflection area, that is to say aregion involving increased light reflection and/or an increasedrefractive index, the result obtained is an individualisationidentification which is composed in accurate register relationship andwhich is made up of the identification element that is already presentand the laser-induced marking. The latter is preferably in the form of afull-colour image. The composition in accurate register relationship canbe readily checked from the exterior without expensive equipment,preferably by simple viewing thereof, in order to establishauthenticity. This means that this specific co-operation of thelaser-induced marking with the respective identification element forms acombinatory effect representing a quasi synergistic effect. Specificcombinatory visual effects can be produced in that case by thesuperimposition of diffraction colour images and laser-induced colourimages.

[0020] Positioning of the laser-induced marking in accurate registerrelationship can be implemented by suitable control of the mass-lesslaser beam. Preferably control can be effected electronically, morespecifically in dependence on detection of the actual position of theidentification element which is already present in the layer structureand in relation to which the respective association is effected.

[0021] The laser can be controlled by the detection of configurationalparameters of a background layer, preferably by detection of the printedor diffraction image and/or by detection of configurational parametersof the laser-sensitive layer or the laser-induced image constituent, inparticular by means of image processing. Preferably the position, thedirection of incidence of the laser light, the laser wavelength, theperiod of action, the number of pulses and/or the laser intensity can becontrolled.

[0022] The colour markings may involve different colours. The colourmarkings may also each have a more or less continuous colour transition.In particular embodiments each colour marking is of a given colour shadewhich is constant in a given portion or over the entire region of themarking.

[0023] A particularly high level of forgery-proof nature is achieved ifthe laser-induced marking is in the form of a colour marking, morespecifically in particular when the marking is in the form of amulti-colour marking. It is of particular advantage in this connectionif the laser-induced marking is effected by laser-induced bleaching ofthe colouring agents present in the laser-sensitive layer.

[0024] In order to obtain a full-colour image, particular embodimentsprovide that the laser-sensitive material is in the form of a mixture ofvarious laser-sensitive components, preferably at least three differentcolouring agent components. Each of those components, preferably eachcomponent of the mixture, can be bleached by means of laser under laserconditions which are respectively specific for each component,preferably that procedure involving a cyan colouring agent which is inthe form of a colouring agent which can be bleached with red laserlight, a magenta colouring agent which is in the form of a colouringagent which can be bleached with green laser light and a yellowcolouring agent which is in the form of a colouring agent which can bebleached with blue laser light. Alternatively, instead of suchbleachable colouring agents, it is also possible to use colouring agentswhich are variable in respect of colour by means of the laser underlaser conditions which are respectively specific for each component,preferably being variable in respect of colour with a sudden colourchange.

[0025] In particularly preferred embodiments the identification elementwhich is already present in the layer structure is in the form of adiffraction and/or hologram structure, preferably a diffraction and/orhologram structure which is characteristically delimited in its externalcontour. Advantageously the structure in question can be in the form ofa line, for example a wavy line, in particular in the form of a group ofa plurality of mutually juxtaposed lines. Particular embodiments providethat the structure in question is in the nature of a guilloche patternor a guilloche pattern is contained in the diffraction or hologramstructure. In addition there are also embodiments in which theidentification element already present in the layer structure isprovided additionally or alternatively to the diffraction and/orhologram structure in the form of printing or the like.

[0026] Particularly easy monitoring of authenticity is afforded in thecase of configurations in which the laser-induced marking and theassociated identification element already present in the layer structureprior to the laser treatment are arranged in plan view on to the planeof the layer in mutually accurate register relationship, preferably indirectly mutually adjoining juxtaposed relationship. Alternatively or incertain other regions the association can also be such that thelaser-induced marking and the other identification element are arrangedoverlapping completely or portion-wise in accurate registerrelationship, preferably in aligned mutually superposed relationship.

[0027] Particularly advantageous configurations are those in which thelaser-induced marking and the other identification element are each of aline-shaped configuration and in plan view on to the plane of the layercan be optically perceived as a preferably continuously extending linewhich is composed in accurate fitting relationship, the two lineportions therefore optically detectably continuing each other. There arealso embodiments in which the laser-induced marking and the otheridentification element are arranged relative to a notional or actuallypresent common alignment line, in particular if the laser-inducedmarking with the other identification element is in the form of a commonsequence of letters or numbers in the nature of an identification wordor a multi-digit identification number. To enhance the forgery-proofnature it is possible in particular for the laser-induced marking to beadditionally in the form of microscript. Such configurations aredifficult to forge because microscript can be produced by printingtechnology only at a high level of technical complication andexpenditure and document-specific information (for example the name ofthe identity card holder and so forth) can be repeated in thepersonalisation procedure. The laser-induced microscript can bemulti-coloured, preferably with a suitable colour pattern.

[0028] A particularly high level of forgery-proofness is also affordedwith configurations in which the laser-induced marking and theassociated other identification element are provided in guillochepatterns. Advantageously, those guilloche patterns also fit together inaccurate relationship so that in plan view on to the plane of the layerit is possible optically to see an accurately fitting compositeguilloche structure.

[0029] Further embodiments provide that the laser-induced marking andthe identification element already previously present in the layerstructure are each in the form of a surface field or area. Both thelaser-induced markings and also the other identification element caneach be in the form of respective alternatingly mutually adjoiningsurface areas. The mutually adjoining areas are preferably of anoptically perceptibly different structure, for example by virtue ofbeing of a different colour or involving a different structure, forexample as a preferably flat reflection region or in the form of adiffractive and/or holographic structure. The surface areas alreadypresent in the layer structure prior to the laser treatment can beprovided in a reflection layer, for example alternately as a flatreflection layer and as a diffraction structure. They are preferablyarranged over the laser-induced surface areas, as viewed from theexterior. The converse arrangement is however also possible in someconfigurations. The laser-induced surface areas are preferably providedwith alternate different colours. With different viewing angles thataffords different optical effects which cannot be produced by the soleuse of the identification elements or the laser-induced markingsrespectively.

[0030] There are configurations in which a laser-induced imageconstituent is arranged in accurate register relationship with anassociated image constituent which is formed for example in or through abackground layer or covering layer. It can preferably be provided that aplurality of laser-induced image constituents is arranged in accurateregister relationship side-by-side with each other and therefore alaminate image is composed of those many image constituents which arearranged in accurate fitting relationship with each other.

[0031] Particular optical effects are achieved with configurations inwhich it is provided that the laser-induced image constituent is of acolourlessly transparent nature or of a colour-shaded transparent natureand an image constituent associated in a layer disposed therebeneath orthereabove is arranged in aligned or laterally displaced relationshipwith respect thereto, in a direction perpendicular to the plane of thelayer. The layer disposed therebeneath or thereabove may involve thebackground layer or a covering layer which for example is in the form ofa reflection layer with a diffraction structure preferably arranged in alimited region.

[0032] In preferred embodiments, in particular if the laminate body isprovided in a transfer foil, for example a hot stamping foil or in alaminating foil or in a coating consisting of such a foil, it ispreferably provided that, in the laser treatment, exclusively thelaser-sensitive layer is changed, more specifically preferably only byselective bleaching or selective change in colour. Advantageously anyfurther layers such as for example protective layers, for example one ormore upper protective layers, remain unchanged, that is to say there isno damage done to those layers under the effect of the laser. Inconfigurations which have a reflection layer, the reflection layer ispreferably such that, with the laser beam being suitably guided, it canpass therethrough and act on the laser-sensitive layer possibly arrangedtherebeneath. A particularly good forgery-proof nature is achieved ifthe laser-sensitive layer or the laser-induced marking, as viewed in adirection on to the laminate body or on to the foil-coated substrate, isarranged beneath the diffraction and/or hologram structure and/or thereflection layer, in which respect it is particularly advantageous ifthe laser-induced marking is arranged immediately adjoining thatsuperposed structure or layer.

[0033] The term reflection layer or reflection area is used to denote alayer or a region which has increased light reflection and/or anincreased refractive index. This involves a layer or a region which canbe made up of a metal or a metallic compound, for example aluminium,chromium, silver, zinc sulphide, titanium oxide and so forth, while acomposition comprising other materials is also possible, for examplegermanium compounds, silicon compounds and so forth. This may involve aflat, preferably vapour-deposited layer or regions. That layer or thoseregions can be provided in a coherent and continuous structure or inmutually separate regions. Embodiments are possible in which thereflection property is achieved by suitable particles or the like, forexample metallic pigments.

[0034] Preferred embodiments are described in greater detail hereinafterwith reference to the accompanying Figures in which:

[0035] FIGS. 1 to 5 show views in section of various hot stamping foils,each with a laser-sensitive layer,

[0036] FIGS. 6 to 10 show views in section of various laminating foils,each with a laser-sensitive layer,

[0037]FIGS. 11a to d show perspective views (a and c) and sectionalviews (b and d) of a first embodiment of laminate images produced bylaser treatment, wherein Figures a and b each show the configuration inthe region of the laser-sensitive layer and the second layer prior tothe laser treatment and Figures c and d respectively show them after thelaser treatment,

[0038]FIGS. 12 and 13 show perspective views and sectional viewscorresponding to FIG. 11 of a second and a third embodiment,

[0039]FIGS. 14a to d show perspective views and sectional viewscorresponding to FIG. 11 of a fourth embodiment,

[0040]FIGS. 15a to b show plan views of the embodiment of FIG. 14,

[0041]FIGS. 16a to b show perspective views corresponding to FIG. 11 ofa fifth embodiment,

[0042]FIGS. 17 and 18 show plan views of a sixth and seventh embodimentof a laminate image, and

[0043]FIG. 19 shows plan views of an eighth embodiment.

[0044] Hereinafter reference will firstly be made to FIGS. 1 to 10 todescribe hot stamping foils and laminating foils, in the layer structureof which a laser-induced individualisation can be produced for thepurposes of affording a forgery-proof nature and to provide combinatoryvisual effects. In connection with these Figures, the basic method stepsinvolved in the laser treatment will also be described, with which thefoils, that is to say the laser-sensitive layer, are treated, to producethe individualisation in question. Instead of hot stamping foils it isalso possible to use other transfer foils.

[0045] Firstly the various foils shown in the Figures will now bedescribed in regard to their layer structure and the materialcomposition of the individual layers.

[0046] The foils shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 involve hot stamping foils. Thehot stamping foil in FIG. 1 includes a carrier film 1, a release layer2, a protective layer 3, a laser-sensitive layer 4, a background layer 5and an adhesive layer 6.

[0047] The carrier film 1 preferably involves a polyester film of athickness of 6 to 100 μm, preferably a thickness of 19 to 38 μm. Thelayers 2 to 6 are arranged in mutually superposed relationship on thatcarrier film 1. They are applied in accordance with per se knownprocesses in production of the hot stamping foil.

[0048] The release layer 2 is a separating layer. It is preferably inthe form of a layer which becomes soft in the production of heat andwhich, in the operation of applying the hot stamping foil to thesubstrate, permits detachment of the further layers from the carrierfilm 1. The release layer 2 is generally of a thickness of at most 1 μm.

[0049] The protective layer 3 is in the form of a protective lacquerlayer. This involves a transparent lacquer layer, with the function ofsubstantially protecting the free surface of the article decorated withthe hot stamping foil, from mechanical damage and chemical effectsthereon. The layer thickness is preferably between 1 and 2 μm.

[0050] The laser-sensitive layer 4 is in the form of a so-called firstcoloured lacquer layer. This involves a lacquer layer which is colouredby pigments and/or provided with other colouring systems or colouringagents, of a thickness of preferably 3 to 10 μm. The pigments or theother colouring systems or colouring agents of that coloured lacquerlayer can be selectively bleached and/or changed to another colour bymeans of a laser beam whose wavelength is preferably in the visiblerange. Preferably the pigment concentration of that lacquer layer 4 isbetween 3 and 15% in relation to solids. The binding agent system ofthat lacquer layer 4 may not be optically varied by the action of thelaser so that at the irradiated locations, the result produced is only acoloured contrast marking without damage to the foil. The foil is notperceptibly damaged either at the surface or in the interior thereof.

[0051] The background layer 5 is in the form of a so-called secondcoloured lacquer layer. This layer is of a different colour from thelaser-sensitive layer 4. The layer 5 is for example white or ivorycoloured if the laser-sensitive layer 4 is black or grey. The layer 5serves primarily as a light backup layer for the colours produced in thelaser-sensitive layer 4 by laser radiation. The thickness of the layer 5is preferably 15 to 20 μm.

[0052] There is the possibility of providing the background layer 5—justlike the laser-sensitive layer 4—not over the entire surface area of thehot stamping foil and thus not over the entire surface to be decorated,in the same coloration. On the contrary the layers 4 and 5 can becomposed individually—and thus also differently—of regions of differentcolours.

[0053] The adhesive layer 6 is an adhesive layer which is known andconventional per se in relation to transfer foils or hot stamping foils,of a thickness of about 1 to 10 μm, wherein the adhesive layer for a hotstamping foil is of such a composition that it only becomes sticky whensubjected to a corresponding action of heat. The layers 2 to 6 can beproduced in accordance with the following compositions: Release layer 2(separating layer): Toluene 99.5 parts Ester wax (dropping point 90° C.)0.5 parts Protective layer 3 (protective lacquer layer):Methylethylketone 61.0 parts Diacetone alcohol 9.0 partsMethylmethacrylate (Tg = 122° C.) 18.0 parts Polyethylene dispersion(23% in xylol) (softening point 7.5 parts 140° C.) High-moleculardispersing additive (40%, amino 0.5 parts number 20) Extender (aluminiumsilicate) 4.0 parts Laser-sensitive layer 4 (first coloured lacquerlayer): Methylethylketone 34.0 parts Toluene 26.0 parts Ethylacetate13.8 parts Cellulose nitrate (low-viscosity, 65% in alcohol) 20.0 partsLinear polyurethane (Fp. >200 ° C.) 3.5 parts High-molecular dispersingadditive (50%, amino 2.0 parts number 20) e.g.: Pigment Blue 15:4 0.5part Pigment Red 57:1 0.5 part Pigment Yellow 15:5 0.5 part Backgroundlayer 5 (second coloured lacquer layer): Methylethylketone 40.0 partsToluene 22.0 parts Ethylene vinylacetate terpolymer (Fp. = 60° C.) 2.5parts Polyvinylchloride (Tg: 89° C.) 5.5 parts Polyvinylchloride (Tg:40° C.) 3.0 parts Dispersing additive (50%, acid number 51) 1.0 partTitanium dioxide (d = 3.8−4.2 g/cm³) 26.0 parts Adhesive layer 6:Methylethylketone 55.0 parts Toluene 12.5 parts Ethanol 3.5 partsPolyvinylacetate (softening point 80° C.) 6.0 partsButyl-/methylmethacrylate (Tg: 80° C.) 8.0 parts Ethylmethacrylate resin(Tg: 63° C.) 3.0 parts Methacrylate copolymers (Tg: 80° C.) 5.0 partsUnsaturated polyester resin (softening point 103° C.) 3.5 parts Silicondioxide 3.5 parts

[0054] The transfer foils—in the specific case here hot stampingfoils—are respectively applied preferably in conventional manner to asubstrate, more specifically in such a way that the adhesive layer 6 istowards the substrate surface. In the hot stamping operation theadhesive layer 6 then forms an adhesive join to the substrate surface.The carrier film 1 is then pulled off—after softening of the releaselayer 2 under the effect of heat in the hot stamping operation. With thehot stamping foil applied to the substrate surface in that way theprotective layer 3 then forms the upper surface of the stamping foil,which faces away from the substrate.

[0055] The hot stamping foils shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 have a backgroundlayer which is different from the foil in FIG. 1. In the embodiment inFIG. 2 the background layer is in the form of a reflection layer 5 r. Ina special case the reflection layer is in the form of a metallicreflection layer. The reflection layer can be partly transparent ortransparent, for certain spectral ranges. It may have a higherrefractive index than the other layers and therefore increased lightreflection. In the case of the example in FIG. 3, there is a layer 5 cas an additional lacquer layer which is preferably transparent. There isfurther provided a reflection layer 5 r which in a region-wise mannerhas a diffraction or hologram structure 5 b. In the embodiment in FIG. 3that structure 5 b is in the form of a constituent part of the lacquerlayer 5 c and the adhesive layer 6 and the layer therebetween.Alternatively or in addition a diffraction structure can also be in theform of a constituent part of the lacquer layer 5 c and/or thelaser-sensitive coloured lacquer layer 4 and/or the adhesive layer 6. Inthose cases the diffraction structure may be of a region-wise nature asillustrated but it may also be in the form of a continuous layer.

[0056] In the example shown in FIG. 4 the background layer 5 c is aprinted image 5 d in a delimited region and a delimited laser-sensitiveregion 4 a is arranged in the laser-sensitive layer in laterallydisplaced relationship with respect to the image 5 d.

[0057]FIG. 5 shows a hot stamping foil with a modified layer structure.The layer structure is similar to that in FIG. 3, but the sequence ofthe layers is modified, more specifically in such a way that thelaser-sensitive layer 4 is arranged on the side of the reflection layer5, which is towards the substrate. The layers are in the followingsequence on each other: a carrier film 1, a release layer 2, aprotective layer 3, an intermediate layer 5 c, a reflection layer S, alaser-sensitive layer 4, a background layer 7 and an adhesive layer 6. Adiffraction structure 5 b is provided in the mutually adjoining regionsof the laser-sensitive layer 4, reflection layer 5 and intermediatelayer 5 c. The diffraction structure can be in the form of a diffractiongrating. Alternatively the structure 5 b can also be in the form of ahologram structure. In the illustrated embodiment in FIG. 5 thediffraction structure 5 b is produced upon manufacture of the foil by aprocedure whereby the diffraction structure is firstly embossed into theintermediate layer 5 c and then the reflection layer 5 r is applied forexample by vapour deposition. The reflection layer 5 is in the form of asmooth reflection layer 5 r in the portions outside the diffractionstructure. It is preferably of a layer thickness of <1 mm. It is partlytransparent or transparent in given viewing angles, at least for certainspectral ranges. After application of the reflection layer 5 r thelaser-sensitive layer 4 is applied; The diffraction structure 5 bproduced in that way is provided in the mutually directly adjoiningregions of the layers 5 c and 4. When the diffraction structure isviewed, varying optical effects are produced, in dependence on theillumination and viewing angle.

[0058] In the case of the foil in FIG. 5a the layers are in thefollowing sequence: carrier layer 1, release layer 2, protective layer3, laser-sensitive layer 4, reflection layer 5 r, laser-sensitive layer4, additional lacquer layer 7 and adhesive layer 6. The laser-sensitivelayers 4 on both sides of the reflection layer 5 r can be identical,that is to say the reflection layer is then arranged in that overalllaser-sensitive layer. The laser-sensitive layers however can also beprovided differently. A diffraction structure 5 b is provided inmutually adjoining regions of the laser-sensitive layers 4 and thereflection layer 5 r. Alternatively the structure 5 b can also be in theform of a hologram structure. In this embodiment enhanced forgery-proofqualities are afforded by virtue of the fact that two laser-sensitivelayers adjoin the diffraction or hologram structure, which layers can bethe same or different. The lacquer layer 7 which is optional is in thiscase in the form of a transparent layer or a light backup layer.Alternatively it is also possible for the lacquer layer 7 and theadhesive layer 6 to be omitted and for the second laser-sensitive layer4 shown in FIG. 5a under the reflection layer 5 r to be in the form of alaser-sensitive adhesive layer.

[0059] In the foil shown in FIG. 5b the layers are in the followingsequence: carrier film 1, release layer 2, laser-sensitive layer 4,additional lacquer layer 5 c, reflection layer 5 r and adhesive layer 6.The layers 5 c and 6 can be made from identical material or differentmaterials. In this embodiment the laser-sensitive layer 4 is aprotective lacquer layer which is of a laser-sensitive nature by virtueof the fact that it contains the comparable pigments in question. Adiffraction structure can be provided in the mutually adjoining regionsof the additional lacquer layer 5 c, the reflection layer 5 r and theadhesive layer 6. It can be in the form of a diffraction grating.Alternatively the structure 5 b can also be in the form of a hologramstructure.

[0060] After the transfer foil, in the present case the stamping foil,has been applied to the substrate, the laser treatment is effected toproduce transparent and/or coloured markings in the laser-sensitivelayer 4. In order to produce a given marking, preferably a colourmarking, at a given position in the laser-sensitive layer 4, thatlocation is irradiated with laser radiation.

[0061] In the case of laser treatment of a foil with the layer structureshown in FIG. 5 laser irradiation is effected through the reflectionlayer including the diffractive structure 5 b. The laser beam ispreferably directed from above perpendicularly on to the plane of thefoil the reflection layer 5 r is transmissive in respect of the laserradiation in particular in the situation involving perpendicularirradiation. The grating or hologram structure 5 b of the layer which inthe rest of the region forms the reflection layer 5 r is transmissive inrespect of the laser radiation, in which case however the radiation canbe reflected more or less also and in part at the diffraction structure.The laser-sensitive layer 4 arranged below the layer forming thereflection layer 5 r in the rest of the region, still within thediffraction structure 5 b and therebeneath, is altered by the effect ofthe laser insofar as a change in colour takes place at the givenlocation due to bleaching or a selective colour change.

[0062] The bleaching operation as takes place in the illustratedembodiments in the respective laser-sensitive layer is describedhereinafter.

[0063] In the bleaching operation a blue or green or red colour markingis produced in a first step, by that location being irradiated with agiven laser wavelength with which a given pigment component is bleached.To produce the colour blue the yellow pigment component has to bebleached. Blue laser light is used for that purpose. A given minimumintensity is required for the bleaching operation. In addition a certainpulse duration is not to be exceeded. To produce a green marking in thefirst step the magenta pigment component has to be bleached. Green laserlight is used for that purpose. In order to produce a red colour markingin the first step the cyan pigment component has to be bleached. Redlaser light is' used for that purpose.

[0064] In order at that location to produce a colour marking of thecolour cyan or magenta or yellow, that location is subjected to lasertreatment in a second step, more specifically using a laser wavelengthwith which one of the pigment components which is not yet bleached atthat location is bleached. If in the first step a blue colour markinghas been produced, at that location the cyan pigment component and themagenta pigment component are unbleached. To produce the colour cyan atthat location the magenta pigment component has to be bleached in thissecond step. That is effected with green laser light. That thereforegives a cyan-coloured marking at that location. If, instead of thatcyan-coloured marking, a magenta-coloured marking is to be produced inthe second step, the blue colour marking produced in the first step hasto be treated with red laser light. That causes bleaching of the cyanpigment at that location so that therefore the magenta pigment remainsunbleached at that location. That therefore gives the magenta-colouredmarking at that location.

[0065] In a corresponding manner, a cyan-coloured marking or ayellow-coloured marking can be produced from a green coloured markingwhich was produced in the first step and which is formed from unbleachedcyan pigment and yellow pigment which has remained there, morespecifically by virtue of treatment with blue laser light and red laserlight respectively.

[0066] In a corresponding manner a red colour marking produced in thefirst step can be converted in the second step into a yellow ormagenta-coloured marking, more specifically by laser treatment in thesecond step with green laser light or blue laser light respectively.

[0067] In order to obtain a transparent location at the location treatedin the first and second steps, that is to say to obtain a white locationif the background layer 5 is white, then in a third step that locationhas to be treated with a laser beam whose wavelength is so adjusted thatthe pigment component which has remained unbleached at that locationafter the second step is bleached, that is to say the yellow colourmarking has to be bleached with blue laser light, the magenta-colouredmarking with green light and the cyan-coloured marking with red laserlight.

[0068] In the same manner further adjacent locations are then treated inthe laser-sensitive layer 4 to produce further colour markings in thelayer 4 of the stamping foil. It is possible in that way to produce afull-colour image.

[0069] Laser treatment can also be used to produce colour markings or afull-colour image in the colouring agent or agents in thelaser-sensitive layer, by virtue of a colour reversal effect. The lasertreatment can be effected in a corresponding manner with successivemethod steps. Pigments can be considered for use as colouring agents,that is to say colouring substances. The pigments are generallyinsoluble and generally involve inorganic substances. However generallysoluble, organic colouring agents can also be used as the colouringagent. The colour reversal effect takes place in each case at specificlaser conditions which are then used in the laser treatment in theindividual steps.

[0070] The laser treatment of the transfer or stamping foil to producethe colour markings can alternatively also be effected beforeapplication of the foil, more specifically in particular if theprotective layer 3 and/or the intermediate layer 5 c is in the form of alayer which is not transparent in relation to laser radiation or a layerwhich is not transparent in relation to laser radiation in the givenwavelength range, or if an additional UV-absorbent protective layer isprovided. The laser treatment is then effected prior to application ofthe foil by a procedure whereby the laser beam is directed on to therear side of the foil, that is to say on to the background layer 5 orthe adhesive layer 6, and thus the laser-sensitive layer 4 is treatedfrom the other side in order to produce the colour markings therein, inthe same manner. In these uses, the background layer 5 and the adhesivelayer 6 are transparent or at least partly transparent for the laserradiation in question.

[0071] Colour markings can also be produced in laminating foils in acorresponding fashion. Such laminating foils are illustrated in FIGS. 6to 10. The laminating foil in FIG. 6 includes a so-called overlay foil30, an optional intermediate layer 31, a laser-sensitive layer 40, anintermediate layer 50 which forms a background layer and which is alsooptional and an adhesive layer 60 which is also optional. In thelaminating procedure the laminating foil is applied to the substratewith the adhesive layer 60 towards the substrate surface.

[0072] An adhesive join is formed with the substrate surface by way ofthe adhesive layer 60. The overlay foil 30 then forms the upperprotective layer whose surface remote from the substrate forms the outersurface of the foil. The overlay foil 30 therefore remains applied thereafter application of the laminating foil. It corresponds to theprotective layer 3 of the stamping foil in FIG. 1. The laser-sensitivelayer 40 corresponds to the laser-sensitive layer 4, that is to say thefirst lacquer layer 4 of the stamping foil in FIG. 1. The intermediatelayer 50 corresponds to the background layer 5, that is to say thesecond lacquer layer 5 of the stamping foil in FIG. 1. The adhesivelayer 60 corresponds to the adhesive layer 6 of the stamping foil inFIG. 1. The laminating foils in FIGS. 7 and 8 represent modifications ofthe laminating foil in FIG. 6, in which the background layer is modifiedin a corresponding manner to the background layer in the hot stampingfoils in FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0073] The laminating foil in FIG. 9 involves a layer structure with asequence of the mutually superposed layers, which is modified inrelation to FIGS. 6 to 8. The sequence of layers corresponds to thestructure of the hot stamping foil in FIG. 5. In this case the layer 70is an optional background layer.

[0074]FIG. 9a shows an embodiment which is modified in relation to thatshown in FIG. 9, with a sequence of layers corresponding to thestructure of the hot stamping foil in FIG. 5a.

[0075] The laminating foil in FIG. 10 represents a modification of thelaminating foil in FIG. 9. In this embodiment the overlay foil 30 isprovided with a hot stamping foil applied thereto. That hot stampingfoil which is applied there replaces the layers 31, 50 and 50 r, 40, 70and 60, which are provided in the laminating foil in FIG. 9, by thecorresponding layers of the hot stamping foil. In the case of the hotstamping foil used to produce that laminating foil, unlike the stampingfoil in FIG. 5 the reflection layer 5 r and the laser-sensitive layer 4are arranged in the reversed sequence so that, in the laminating foil inFIG. 10, the reflection layer 5 r is now arranged on the side of thelaser-sensitive layer 4 remote from the substrate, in a correspondingmanner to the laminating foil in FIG. 9. In conformity with the otherillustrated embodiments the diffraction structure 5 b in the laminatingfoil shown in FIG. 10 is also provided in the mutually adjoining regionsof the layers 4 and 5. In this case the lacquer layer 5 is in the formof a transparent layer.

[0076] The laminating foil in FIG. 10a is of a similar structure to thelaminating foil in FIG. 10. In the embodiment of FIG. 10a however theoverlay foil 30 is provided with a hot stamping foil which is appliedthereto and which is of a similar configuration to the hot stamping foilof the embodiment of FIG. 5a. The hot stamping foil applied to theoverlay foil 30 replaces the layers 31, 40, 50, 50 r, 40, 70 and 60provided in the laminating foil in FIG. 9a, by the corresponding layersof the hot stamping foil. The laminating foil in FIG. 10a involves aseries of layers in the following sequence: overlay foil 30, adhesivelayer 6, optional lacquer layer 5, laser-sensitive layer 4, reflectionlayer 5 r, laser-sensitive layer 4, additional lacquer layer 5 c andprotective layer 3. The laser-sensitive layers 4 on both sides of thereflection layer 5 r can be identical, that is to say the reflectionlayer 5 r is then arranged in that overall laser-sensitive layer. Thelaser-sensitive layers 4 however may also be of different natures. Inthis case the lacquer layer 5 is in the form of a transparent layer or alight backup layer.

[0077] The laminating foil in FIG. 10b represents an embodiment in whicha hot stamping foil is also applied to the overlay foil 30. That appliedhot stamping foil is of a similar configuration to the foil in FIG. 5.It replaces the layers 31, 40, 50 and 50 r, 40, 70 and 60 respectivelyprovided in the laminating foil in FIG. 9a, by the layers of the hotstamping foil. The laminating foil in FIG. 10b has a series of layers inthe following sequence: overlay foil 30, adhesive layer 6, optionallacquer layer 7, laser-sensitive layer 4, reflection layer 5 r,additional lacquer layer 5 c and protective layer 3. The lacquer layer 7in this case is in the form of a transparent layer or a light backuplayer.

[0078] Laser treatment of the laminating foil is effected in acorresponding manner as described in relation to the stamping foil, thatis to say by suitable successive bleaching or laser-sensitive colourchange of the colouring agents contained in the laser-sensitive layer,that is to say pigment components or other laser-sensitive colouringagents.

[0079] Preferred embodiments are described hereinafter with reference toFIGS. 11 to 16. The illustrated embodiments preferably use transferfoils of a structure corresponding to FIGS. 1 to 5 or laminating foilsof a structure corresponding to FIGS. 6 to 10. FIGS. 11 and 12 only showthe layer structure in highly diagrammatic form, in each case showingonly an upper layer and a lower layer. Shown is a laser-sensitive layer4 and a further layer which is arranged parallel thereto and which is inthe form of a reflection layer 5 r and has in a region-wise manner adiffraction structure. The diffraction structure 5 b is provided in thelayers adjoining the grating structure.

[0080] The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 11a to d takes as its basicstarting point a foil in which the laser-sensitive layer 4 is more orless covered green or as a different colour in the region 4 a. In thesubjacent region the background layer 5 has a reflection layer with adiffraction structure 5 b. The background layer 5 can be in the form ofa metal layer which can be formed directly under the laser-sensitivelayer, preferably being vapour-deposited thereon. Separate markings inthe form of alternating, mutually spaced square fields or areas 10 x and10 y are produced by laser radiation in the laser-sensitive layer 4 a inaccurate positional relationship. Suitable laser treatment underdifferent conditions provides that the areas 10 x are produced blue,preferably cyan and the areas 10 y are yellow. The region around theareas 10 x, 10 y is not subjected to laser treatment and remains in itsoriginal colour, that is to say for example green. By virtue of thelaser beam being guided in accurate positional relationship, it ispossible for the areas 10 x, 10 y to be produced in accurate positionalrelationship with respect to the diffractive regions. The areas 10 x, 10y are more or less transparent so that, by virtue of light diffractionat the diffractive structures 5 b, a play of colours is produced, independence on the possibly superimposed colours and thewavelength-dependent reflection of the irradiated light. By virtue ofthe fact that the background layer 5 has alternate diffractive areas 5b—arranged in accurately fitting relationship with respect to thelaser-induced areas 10 x, 10 y—and metallically reflectively appearingregions, varying image impressions are afforded, in conjunction with thesurfaces coloured by laser irradiation, in dependence on theillumination and viewing angle.

[0081] In a particular configuration of the embodiment shown in FIG. 11,it can be provided that the metal layer is in the form of a reflectionlayer only in separate individual regions 5 r and the whole of the restof the region is in the form of a grating structure. The laser-sensitivelayer 4 can be irradiated by the action of a laser in such a way thatalternate areas 10 x, 10 b are bleached differently, that is to saydifferent colours are produced. The areas 10 x, 10 y forming thelaser-induced colour markings can be so arranged that they are disposedin alignment over the reflection areas 5 a, considered in a directionperpendicular to the plane of the layer. In that case varying opticaleffects are produced, depending on the respective illumination andviewing angle.

[0082] In a modified embodiment shown in FIG. 12 round areas 10 x, 10 yare produced in an alternate sequence in different colours in thelaser-sensitive layer 4 by laser-sensitive bleaching. They are arrangedin accurately positional relationship, considered perpendicularly withrespect to the plane of the layer, in aligned relationship overdiffraction areas 5 b which are also of a round contour in plan view.The diffraction areas are provided in a reflection layer 5 r which isarranged under the laser-sensitive layer 4, preferably immediatelythereunder.

[0083]FIG. 13 shows an embodiment which is modified in relation to FIG.12 in such a way that round flat reflection areas 5 r are provided inthe diffraction structure 5 b and the also round, laser-induced areas 10x, 10 y are arranged in accurate positional relationship above the roundflat reflection areas 5 r.

[0084] The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 14a to d takes as its basicstarting point a foil in which the partly transparent reflection layer 5is disposed over the laser-sensitive layer 4. The layer-sensitive layer4 is of a more or less covering nature, for example green or of anothercolour, in the region 4 a. The reflection layer 5 has a region-wisediffraction structure 5 b, wherein the reflection layer 5 is in the formof a flat layer without a diffraction structure in individual areas 5 rwhich are separated from each other. The reflection layer 5 is appliedby vapour deposition directly on the laser-sensitive layer 4. Thediffraction structure 5 b is provided in the reflection layer and thelaser-sensitive layer 4 and extends into the laser-sensitive layer 4.

[0085] By laser irradiation through the reflection layer 5 exclusivelyin the region of the flat reflection areas 5 r, with the laser headbeing guided in accurate positional relationship, separate markings areproduced in accurate positional relationship in the laser-sensitivelayer 4 disposed therebeneath, the markings being in the form ofalternate, mutually spaced square areas 10 x and 10 y. Thoselaser-induced markings in the form of the square areas 10 x and 10 y inthe embodiment in FIG. 14 are each in exactly aligned and accuratepositional relationship in respect of their size and position under theflat reflection areas 5 r of the reflection layer 5. Suitable lasertreatment under different conditions provides that the areas 10 x and 10y are produced in different colours, for example the areas 10 x as cyanand the areas 10 y as yellow. The region around the areas 10 x, 10 y isnot subjected to laser treatment and remains in its original colour,that is to say for example green.

[0086] By virtue of light diffraction at the diffractive structure 5 bin conjunction with the different colours of the areas 10 x, 10 y, thereis a play of colours which is dependent on the kind of illumination andthe illumination and viewing angle, in dependence on the light source L.Respective varying image impressions are produced in that case. Thediffraction image or the laser-induced colour image becomes alternatelyvisible, for example with a tilting movement of the foil, whereby theillumination angle and/or the viewing angle is altered, as isdiagrammatically shown in FIGS. 15a and 15 b. In the position in FIG.15b the areas 5 r appear coloured and the diffraction structure is notoperative. In contrast, in the position in FIG. 15a the diffractionimage is visible and at least in part is superimposed on the colouredareas.

[0087]FIG. 16 shows an embodiment which is modified in relation to FIGS.14 and 15 in such a way that disposed in the reflection layer 5 r arediffraction areas 5 b which are rectangular in plan and in relation towhich the laser-induced areas 10 x, 10 y are positioned in accurateregister relationship.

[0088] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 17 the laser-sensitive materialin the layer 4 is arranged in a delimited region which is rectangular incontour. The layer 4 is transparent outside the region 4 a so that theprinted image 5 d which is produced in that region in the backgroundlayer is visible. The printed image 5 d can be produced in a separatebackground layer of the laminate foil or however also directly on thesubstrate surface. The printed image 5 d is the word image ‘Bank ofIsland’ and the word image ‘Pass-Nr.’, the latter is arranged inaccurately fitting relationship between two parallel alignment lines 5df which are also printed on the foil or which are only notional, thatis to say only imaginary.

[0089] By guiding the mass-less laser beam in accurate positionalrelationship, it is possible to continue the labelling or marking with adegree of accuracy in the micrometer range in relation to the printedimage 5 d in the laser-sensitive region 4 a by selective bleaching orselective colour change. Therefore, a marking is produced, whichcontinues the two alignment lines 5 df of the printed image, which arearranged on both sides of the laser-sensitive area 4 a or which existonly notionally as imaginary alignment lines, in the field 4 a, in theform of laser-induced alignment lines 10 f. Produced between the lines10 f in accurate register relationship is a corresponding laser-inducedlabelling or marking 10 x, 10 y, in the illustrated embodiment being theseries of digits ‘5764937’. In this case the individual digits 10 x, 10y may be of a varying colours or may each involve a respective colourpattern, for example by bleaching or a colour change which differs invarious regions of the digits, or by virtue of a suitable configurationof the printed image which is disposed therebeneath and which possiblyappears therethrough. The individual digits 10 x, 10 y may also beprovided in microscript. That affords a high degree offorgery-proofness.

[0090] The embodiment in FIG. 18 involves a modification of theembodiment in FIG. 17, with a diffraction structure 5 b being arrangedover the laser-sensitive layer 4 a in order to enhance the forgery-proofnature. The diffraction structure can be provided to be disposeddirectly on the laser-sensitive layer, for example in a reflection layerwhich in that delimited region is applied there by vapour deposition orin a reflection layer which covers the entire surface of the embodiment,as illustrated in FIG. 18. In the illustrated embodiment that reflectionlayer is in the form of a diffraction structure which is alsotransparent, only in the region which engages over the laser-sensitivearea 4 a. The laser treatment is effected by laser radiation through thereflection layer or the diffraction structure 5 b. In that case thelaser-induced markings are produced in accurate register relationship inthe same manner as in the embodiment of FIG. 17. By virtue of the factthat the diffraction structure is arranged over the laser-inducedmarking in the embodiment in FIG. 18 and it is joined directly to thelayer in question, which has the markings, that affords an enhancedforgery-proof nature.

[0091] The embodiment in FIGS. 19a and b also involves an association ofdiffractive areas with laser-induced colour areas, in accurate registerrelationship, wherein this embodiment has a laser-induced image 10 y inthe form of a full-colour portrait produced as a laser-induced portrait.That laser-induced image is provided in a laser-sensitive layer 4. Thereare diffraction elements 5 b which are in the form of guilloche patternsand are supplemented in accurate register relationship by respectivelaser-induced coloured guilloche patterns adjoining same. A structure ofthat kind, consisting of mutually adjoining arcuate regions which arealternately in the form of diffraction guilloche patterns 5 b andlaser-induced coloured guilloche patterns 10 x is arranged in the mannerof a closed circle around the laser-induced portrait 10 y. In addition,provided in the edge regions of the laser-induced colour image 10 y arediffraction guilloche patterns 5 b in the form of wavy lines, whichextend portion-wise over the laser-induced image 10 y.

[0092] The layer structure of the embodiment in FIGS. 19a and 19 b issimilar to the embodiment of FIG. 18. The diffraction structure elements5 b are arranged over the laser-sensitive layer in which thelaser-induced image 10 y and the laser-induced guilloche patterns 10 xare arranged. The diffraction structure elements are preferably arrangedin a layer which in the rest of the region forms the reflection layer 5r but they can also be provided exclusively and directly in thelaser-sensitive layer 4 a.

[0093] Laser treatment to produce the laser-induced full-colour image 10y and the coloured guilloche patterns 10 x is effected in acorresponding manner to the above-described embodiments.

1. A laminate body, in particular a laminate foil, comprising alaser-sensitive layer (4, 40) and an identification element, for examplea diffraction and/or hologram structure (5 b, 5 c, 50 b), a reflectionlayer (5 r, 50 r), a printed image (5 d) or the like, which is providedin a second layer (5, 50) and/or in the laser-sensitive layer (4, 40),characterised in that the laser-sensitive layer (4, 40) has a marking(10, 10 x, 10 y) produced by laser action—hereinafter referred to aslaser-induced marking (10, 10 x, 10 y)—, which is positioned in accurateregister relationship relative to the identification element (5 r, 5 b,5 c, 5 d).
 2. A laminate body according to claim 1 characterised in thatthe laser-induced marking (10, 10 x, 10 y) and the identificationelement (5 r, 5 b, 5 c, 5 d), preferably being optically perceptiblefrom the exterior, are provided and associated in mutually supplementalaccurate register relationship.
 3. A laminate body according to one ofthe preceding claims characterised in that the laser-induced marking(10, 10 x, 10 y) and the identification element (5 r, 5 b, 5 c, 5 d) inplan view on to the plane of the layer are arranged in accurate registerrelationship adjoining each other, preferably immediately adjoining eachother, in direct contact.
 4. A laminate body according to one of thepreceding claims characterised in that the laser-induced marking (10, 10x, 10 y) and the identification element (5 r, 5 b, 5 c, 5 d) areprovided overlappingly completely or portion-wise in accurate registerrelationship.
 5. A laminate body according to one of the precedingclaims characterised in that the laser-induced marking (10, 10 x, 10 y)is arranged in a layer plane above or under the identification element(5 r, 5 b, 5 c, 5 d) and/or in the same layer plane as theidentification element.
 6. A laminate body according to one of thepreceding claims characterised in that the identification element is inthe form of a diffraction and/or hologram structure (5 b, 5 c) which ischaracteristically delimited in its external contour and/or a reflectionarea (5 r) which is characteristically delimited in its external contourand/or a printed image (5 d) which is characteristically delimited inits external contour.
 7. A laminate body according to one of thepreceding claims characterised in that the laser-induced marking (10, 10x, 10 y) and/or the identification element (5 b, 5 c, 5 d) is or are inline form.
 8. A laminate body according to claim 7 characterised in thatthe laser-induced marking (10, 10 x, 10 y) in line form and theidentification element (5 b, 5 c, 5 d) in line form, in plan view on tothe plane of the layer, are optically perceptible as a line which iscomposed in accurate register relationship and which preferably extendscontinuously.
 9. A laminate body according to one of the precedingclaims characterised in that the laser-induced marking (10, 10 x, 10 y)and/or the identification element is or are oriented relative to anotional or concretely visibly present alignment line, wherein it ispreferably provided that the laser-induced marking (10, 10 x, 10 y)and/or the identification element (5 d) is a series of letters, asequence of digits or the like.
 10. A laminate body according to claim 9characterised in that the laser-induced marking (10, 10 x, 10 y) whichis oriented in respect to an alignment line and the identificationelement (5 b, 5 c, 5 d) which is oriented in respect to an alignmentline are oriented in plan view to afford a common notional or concretelyvisible alignment line which is composed portion-wise of the alignmentline of the laser-induced marking and the alignment line of theidentification element.
 11. A laminate body according to one of thepreceding claims characterised in that the laser-induced marking (10, 10x, 10 y) and/or the identification element (5 b, 5 c, 5 d) is or are inthe form of a guilloche pattern.
 12. A laminate body according to claim11 characterised in that the laser-induced marking (10, 10 x, 10 y) inthe form of a guilloche pattern and the identification element (5 b, 5c, 5 d) in the form of a guilloche pattern, in a plan view on to theplane of the layer, is optically perceptible as a joint guillochepattern which is composed in accurate register relationship.
 13. Alaminate body according to one of the preceding claims characterised inthat the laser-induced marking (10, 10 x, 10 y) and/or theidentification element (5 r, 5 b) is or are in the form of a surfaceelement, preferably in the form of a row of alternate surface areas. 14.A laminate body according to claim 13 characterised in that thelaser-induced marking (10, 10 x, 10 y) which is in the form ofpreferably alternate surface areas and the identification element (5 r,5 b) which is in the form of preferably alternate surface areas arearranged one above the other in plan view on to the plane of the layer,wherein the preferably alternate surface areas of the laser-inducedmarking (10, 10 x, 10 y) are respectively arranged in alignedrelationship or constantly displaced with respect to the preferablyalternate surface areas (5 r, 5 b) of the identification element.
 15. Alaminate body according to claim 13 or claim 14 characterised in thatthe laser-induced marking (10, 10 x, 10 y) which is in the form ofpreferably alternate surface areas and the identification element (5 r,5 b) which is in the form of preferably alternate surface areas whenbeing viewed co-operate with the formation of a combinatory image,preferably at different viewing angles forming different images.
 16. Alaminate body according to one of the preceding claims characterised inthat the laser-induced marking (10, 10 x, 10 y) is in the form of acoloured marking.
 17. A laminate body according to one of the precedingclaims characterised in that the laser-sensitive material of thelaser-sensitive layer (4, 40) is in the form of a mixture of variouslaser-sensitive components.
 18. A laminate body according to claim 17characterised in that the mixture is composed of at least threedifferent colouring agent components, preferably pigment components,wherein each of said components, preferably each component of themixture, can be bleached by means of laser under laser conditions whichare respectively specific for the component and/or the mixture iscomposed of at least three different colour-forming components,preferably colour-forming colouring agents, wherein each of thosecomponents, preferably each component of the mixture, is variable incolour, preferably being variable in colour with a sudden colourreversal, by means of laser, under laser conditions which arerespectively specific for the component.
 19. A laminate body accordingto claim 18 characterised in that for each of the three components thesituation is such that under the laser conditions specific for acomponent the other components are not or are not substantiallybleachable or variable in colour.
 20. A laminate body according to claim18 or claim 19 characterised in that the laser-sensitive material has acyan colouring agent, preferably cyan pigment, and/or a magentacolouring agent, preferably magenta pigment, and/or a yellow colouringagent, preferably yellow pigment.
 21. A laminate body according to claim20 characterised in that the cyan colouring agent is in the form of acolouring agent bleachable with red laser light and/or the magentacolouring agent is in the form of a colouring agent bleachable withgreen laser light and/or the yellow colouring agent is in the form of acolouring agent bleachable with blue laser light.
 22. A method ofenhancing the forgery-proof nature of a laminate body, preferably alaminate foil, which has a laser-sensitive layer and an identificationelement which is arranged in a second layer and/or in a laser-sensitivelayer, characterised in that the laminate body is irradiated by means ofa laser in such a way that produced in the laser-sensitive layer is alaser-induced marking which is positioned in accurate registerrelationship with respect to the position of the identification element.23. A method according to claim 22 characterised in that during thelaser treatment the position of the laser beam is electronicallycontrolled relative to the foil in dependence on the position of theidentification element, preferably by a procedure whereby during orprior to the laser treatment the actual position of the identificationelement is detected electronically, for example by way of imageprocessing.
 24. A method according to claim 23 characterised in thatcontrol is effected by motional guidance of the laser head.
 25. A methodaccording to one of claims 22 to 24 characterised in that laserirradiation is effected through at least one layer of the laminate body,preferably through a diffraction and/or hologram structure arranged overthe laser-sensitive layer and/or preferably a reflection layer.
 26. Amethod according to one of claims 22 to 25 characterised in that thelaser-induced marking is produced by laser-induced bleaching and/orlaser-induced sudden colour reversal of a colouring agent disposed inthe laser-sensitive layer.
 27. A method according to one of claims 22 to26 characterised in that the laser-induced marking is produced bypreferably region-wise removal of the laser-sensitive layer.